The Joffrey Ballet will present a week of free performances in Chicago's Millennium Park in June as part of its 50th-anniversary celebration, the company announced.

The events, running from June 13-18, include a full-length performance at the Harris Theater, three programs with the Grant Park Orchestra as part of the Grant Park Music Festival, and special events including an ice cream social, an exploration of the company's history, and a parade of Nutcracker characters.

The week will also include paid events, among them a cocktail reception in which audience members will be able to meet Joffrey alumni and the company's black-tie 50th-anniversary gala.

"Chicagoans have embraced the Joffrey Ballet since our move here in 1995, and we are proud to call this culturally vibrant city our home," said Joffrey Ballet executive director Jon H. Teeuwissen. "We are pleased to offer Chicagoans and summer visitors free dance programming and hope that thousands will come out and dance with us!"